Yesterday, I headed into Belfast to have my greys zapped by the guys at Peter Mark. They have a promotion on at the moment with 20% off all colour with cutting/styling until the 15th November and they’re open on a Monday…that’s a win/win for me. If I need to go into Belfast for whatever reason, Monday is my day as it’s quiet in town, easy to get parked and it starts my week off in an organised way. I can get all my returns done, visit the bank and do a bit of shop research…more on that below!
But first up, it was an appointment with Martina at Peter Mark, Arthur Street. The salon is lovely on Mondays…I’m sure the service is just as good on other days of the week but I enjoy it so much more when there are fewer people there….and fewer hairdryers on the go and it does seem like you get fussed over even more. Here is the messy before shot…
She did an amazing job and the best bit? It took just over an hour. I don’t have time to sit in a salon for 3 or 4 hours to have my colour done so it was great to be in and out so quickly. With a latte in one hand and September’s Vogue in the other, Coldplay playing on the sound system, it was so chilled and lovely.
Throw in a back pummelling chair and a gorgeous head massage at the basin…and I was tweeting ‘If Carlsberg did Monday mornings…’
I didn’t get it cut this time – just a tiny trim at the front but it was enough to make it all sit lovely again and I was bouncing out the door ready for a bit of solo shopping.
I’m on the hunt for neutral tops at the moment – lightweight knits/jersey but with something interesting going on with them - in navy, grey and black (and if I saw a nice cream one, I’d always buy it). The only shop that impressed was H&M where I brought 12 items into the fitting room. Not a problem on a quiet Monday 
Here are a selection of the ones I tried on with links where I’ve been able to find them…
Grey with Pleather Sleeves & Grey Linen Mix Top
Navy/Cream Blouse (too shapeless) & Quilted Shoulder Knit (pleather a bit cheap looking) – can’t find links online for either.
Navy Spot Jumper (too short) & Grey Jewelled Sweatshirt (too bulky)
and finishing with two cream ones that I can’t find online…the first one was nice but was full of static. The second one was too see-through.
And here are the ones I actually bought..this first one was on the sale rail and is the black version of the creamy coloured one I picked up the other week. I wasn’t really looking for a short sleeved top at this time of the year but it can be layered and it was only £4. It’s from the H&M Conscious Collection and is a thicker cotton (no online link)
These two are very lightweight knits….I just liked the pleather detail on the sleeve of the black one and the grey has some lovely detail too on the front and back. More than you’d expect for £14.99.
Grey Oversized Jumper & Black Pleather Sleeved Oversized Jumper
Finishing with what I wore..no full length shots today so it’s a combo of the picture above and this..
Scarf Print Square Cut Top – Mary Portas SS13
Jeans – Limited @ M&S
Pumps – Emmy Twenty
Necklace – School Gate Style Shop
Faux leather quilted Jacket – H&M SS14
Just a final reminder for anyone local who hasn’t yet done my Kingsmill survey. I’d be so grateful if you could pop over on this link – it will literally take 1 minute. I really appreciate your help – thanks to everyone who has helped out so far. The survey closes at 5pm today and I’ll announce the winners tomorrow! x
I love your hair Avril. One might go as far as saying I’m jealous! It’s always so gorgeous and luscious looking.
I also love your Mary Portas tunic – what fabulous colours.
Fiona
x
Avenue 57 recently posted Tartan scarf
Great title! Hair still looking fab Avril. H&M are great for basics aren’t they and surprisingly most wash ok. I also adopt your strategy – take loads into the changing room, you’re bound to hit on one or two! No wonder the staff always look so frazzled x
iwontwearsludgebrown recently posted Show And Tell! Altuzarra for Target
I’ve had some great knitwear from H&M in the past – not 100% wool of course but it has never bobbled. You cant beat a great grey top in my opinion!
Poppy’s Style recently posted The celebrations continued…
Aha! So that’s how it’s done … Monday morning is clearly the time to hit H&M. This fact has now been duly noted!!! Liking your purchases x
The Flaky Fashionista recently posted Bargains Galore …
First, thank you so much for all your lovely comments and support while I was away. So sorry i wasn’t able to comment back, jolly blogspot has not got their stuff sorted that way. The comments disappeared into ether before posting…
I just clicked in funnily enough here to your patterned jumpsuit post with black belt, very cool,
Love you swish new bobby shorter hair and i am crazy about that necklace with the grey t-shirt (by the way I’m going to practise that selfie you do slightly to the side, as it gives a good view of the neckline, which my mammoth hands always seem to cut out).
These days my greys need tending to every four weeks, but I do it because if the hair is not right you just don’t feel right – do you?
The other patterned shirt I am crazy keen on…so Tabitha Getty on the Moroccan rooftops which is a look I love
Monday morning is definitely the best time to go shopping, I often hit Primark at that time really early before it becomes too much of a jumble sale! I think my favourite tops are the first two grey ones, although I do love your final picks x
Arthurs mum recently posted Cocoa Brown tan review
Your hair looks fabulous and how lovely to be pampered! I bought the oversized sweater in a tan colour. I love it! Lynne x
Dorothy Camper recently posted Skirts for Autumn
Agree about Monday mornings! Hair looks great and I love the pleather top you bought. I have had hit and misses with H&M but when you find something you love at their prices it’s brilliant.
Shop Accordingly recently posted Broadcasting from a bathroom near you
Nothing beats a couple of hours being pampered in a salon, your hair looks great Avril!
H&M is such a great place to find those basic Winter staples!! Love the black sweater with the pleather sleeves, the T-shirt was a great but too! xx
MyFashionable40s recently posted The elusive fur gilet……..
Your hair is lovely, really suits you
i really like that embellished grey jumper, it would look great also with a pencil skirt.
great picks, you go girl X
Anne maire recently posted Puppy Love
I had a good look around in H&M in Spain and that’s where I got my longer length grey cardigan from. Love that Mary Portas top you have, I would of bought that but obviously didn’t see it x
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